LawWorks Developing closer links between advice agencies and solicitors Patrick Cahill Clinics Development Officer

About LawWorks Independent national charity Formed in 1997 Brokerage organisation Last 12 months Over 45,000 people helped 400 community groups advised Value over £4 million

LawWorks Membership Over 100 firms and in-house teams Forums and Round Tables Newsletters Consultancy and Brokerage Awards Insurance in some cases CPD accredited training

Projects Include… LawWorks Clinics and training Casework – for individuals, community groups and mediation Free Law Direct Students

What is a Legal Advice Clinic? No Free Volunteer lawyers advice Students/university Advice agency Community Centre Legal Essentially it is any sort of free legal advice session staffed by volunteer lawyers who provide free advice to the public

Why pro bono? Learn new skills Acquire new knowledge Make a contribution to your local area Personal satisfaction and professional development Develop and foster relations with local advice agencies

How can solicitors get involved? Volunteering legal skills Referrals Training Awareness

Case Study One Northampton CAB Who’s Involved?. Northampton CAB Solicitor volunteers come from local law firms, supported by law students from the University of Northampton. How are solicitors involved? After a prior assessment solicitors volunteer on a rota basis Solicitors give face-to-face advice or write a letter after the clinic Solicitors refer clients to other agencies

Case Study Two Own it-IP Advice Who’s Involved? University of the Arts, London Solicitor volunteers come from local law firms How are solicitors involved? The Own-It IP clinics are for business whose annual turnover is below £100,000 Solicitors provide IP specific advice

Case Study Three Birmingham Legal Advice Clinic Who’s Involved? Birmingham Central Library Solicitor volunteers come from three local law firms How are solicitors involved? Solicitors volunteer on a rota basis at the library from their law firm Solicitors give face-to-face advice or write a letter after the clinic Solicitors refer clients to other agencies Areas covered include debt, contract Law, consumer Law and housing

There are lots of other type of clinic too… Business advice only Immigration help only Telephone advice line clinic A clinic at your law firm Providing advice session presentations at a local agency

Concerns?  Commitment  Knowledge  Insurance  Conflicts ARE ALL OBSTACLES WHICH CAN BE OVERCOME AND WHICH LAWWORKS CAN HELP YOU WITH AND PROVIDE ADVICE ON DON’T WORRY

LawWorks Clinics Network Support and guidance for range of models Free initial advice Over 120 clinics around the country General advice and more specialised. Legal surgery for individuals and/or not for profits Training for lawyers –CPD accredited –Available online

Questions Patrick Cahill T: